Mitchell tallied an assist, picked up two hits and five blocked shots in Tuesday's victory over the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

While not usually a big shot blocker, over the past 10 days, Mitchell has 11 blocked shots in those four games. He's not going to put up a ton of points, but the 38-year-old is the veteran presence the team needs on the blue line.

Mitchell netted his third goal of the season in Thursday's 6-1 victory over the Hurricanes. Mitchell's goal kicked off the scoring for the Panthers, and nearly held up as the game winner before the Canes' Chris Terry ended Roberto Luongo's shutout bid with 1:19 remaining in the third period. The 37-year-old Mitchell can rarely be counted on to provide much offense; in fact, his four shot attempts on the evening tied his highest total for any game this season.

Mitchell (illness) was activated from injured reserve Saturday. After a 16-game absence, the bulk of which was due to an upper-body injury, Mitchell is expected to make his return to the lineup Saturday against the Islanders. Prior to missing time, Mitchell was gobbling up 22:12 of ice time per game while manning a top-four spot on defense for the Panthers. A similar role likely awaits for Mitchell again, but his limitations as a puck mover likely won't yield much fantasy value. He has only two goals and five points over 49 games this season.

Mitchell (illness) is expected to play Saturday against the Islanders, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. After missing 15 games due to an upper-body injury, Mitchell was poised to return to the lineup Thursday against the Stars before a bout with the stomach flu set in. After taking part in Saturday's morning skate, Mitchell looks to be fully recovered from both the injury and illness, though the Panthers have yet to formally activate him from IR. Expect that to happen at some point in the afternoon prior to the game.

Mitchell (upper body) will miss Thursday's game against the Stars due to flu-like symptoms, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. Expected to return from an upper body injury to play in a game for the first time since Feb. 3, Mitchell will now have to wait to get back onto the ice. With fellow defenseman Erik Gudbranson also sidelined by flu-like symptoms, the Panthers may need to recall a blueliner from AHL San Antonio. Mitchell's next opportunity to play will come Saturday against the Islanders.

Mitchell (upper body) plans to return to action Thursday against the Stars, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. Mitchell, who last suited up on Feb. 3, has thus been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against the Maple Leafs.

Mitchell (upper body) has been skating, and he is very close to making his return, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. Out since Feb. 3, Mitchell may be able to return this week, possibly as soon as Tuesday against the Maple Leafs. At this point, he's considered day-to-day.

Mitchell won't be ready for Sunday's game against the Penguins, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.Mitchell remains on injured reserve, but is believed to be nearing a return date. Perhaps a couple more days off will do the trick, as the Panthers' next game comes Tuesday against the Blackhawks.

Mitchell (upper body) will not play in Saturday's game against the Senators, Craig Davis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.Mitchell is day-to-day, so he can be considered questionable for Sunday's game in Pittsburgh.

Mitchell (upper body) skated Thursday morning and continues to be viewed as day-to-day, Craig Davis of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.Mitchell has been dealing with the injury for about two weeks, but it looks like he's just about fully recovered at this point. If he's able to resume practicing with the team Friday or Saturday morning, he could be activated from IR for either Saturday's game against the Senators or Sunday's meeting with the Penguins.